Graffiti

Norwich, CT  2015

Some graffiti actually looks pretty good and can be quite artistic.  That's not the case here though.  The urban artist responsible for this work didn't make this building any less of an eyesore than it already was.

Rose Mural

Norwich, CT  2015

Norwich is known as the "Rose City", which doubt inspired this colorful mural.

Chestnut Street Mill

Norwich, CT

This building opened in 1885 as Beer Bottling Works and was later occupied by the Norwich Paper Box Co.  It was in continuous operation through 1949.  It is literally within site of Norwich City Hall and like many other buildings of that era, it has become so deteriorated that it cannot be preserved.  The city has accepted bids for its demolition and hopes to develop this prime downtown real estate.

Jonathan Edwards Winery

North Stonington, CT

Followers of this blog know of my fondness of Jonathan Edwards wines and their winery in North Stonington.  I've featured many pictures from the vineyards here in this blog.  I always thought the tasting room/barreling/bottling building, which used to be a dairy barn, would make a great photo rendered in black and white.

Rocks and Vines

North Stonington, CT

Old Garage

North Stonington, CT  2015

Every time I drive by this garage, I expect it to no longer be standing.  It has looked like this for years and can't really provide any shelter for whatever is inside.  There are no other buildings or houses nearby, so I'm not sure who might own it.  There are many structures like this in this part of the state.

Whale Mural

New London, CT  2015

Sculptured Head

Middletown, CT  2015

This sculpture can be seen in a park next to the Connecticut River in Middletown, CT.  I could find neither a reference nearby to the sculptor nor a title to the work. 

Main Street Diner

Plainville, CT  2015

I grew up in New Jersey, which according to some people is the "Diner Capitol of the World".  This looks like a classic diner, much like you'd find in New Jersey and by the looks of it, it must be a pretty popular place. 

Eugene O'Neil Dr

New London, CT  2015

Modern Windmills

Norwich, CT  2015

These are definitely not your grandparents windmills.  

First Congregational Church

Norwich, CT  2015

This Federal Style church was built in 1801 and is the third building to house the First Congregation Church.  The congregation dates from the 1700's and among their congregation was Benedict Arnold, who was born in Norwich. 

Bank Street Pawn

New London, CT  2015

Bank St Reflection

New London, CT  2015 

While walking along Bank St in New London, the clarity of this reflection caught my eye and just had to be photographed.  I'm sharing this with Weekend Reflections and if you enjoy reflections, that's the blog to visit.  

State St Urns

New London, CT  2015

Hotel Royal

New London, CT  2015

New London, CT has many historic buildings and unfortunately many are falling into disrepair, awaiting renovation and a new life.  I have pictured the Hotel Royal in this blog previously.  The current hotel on this site was built in 1897.  It doesn't appear to be a hotel anymore, but the building is being used, at least on the ground floor.  Whenever I walk around New London, I always find some interesting piece of architecture or adornment on a building, like this sign above the entrance, which reminds me that these buildings had a glorious past.  

Joseph Cinque

New London, CT  2015

Joseph Cinque led the slave uprising aboard the schooner La Amistad  in 1839, which was documented in the movie Amistad made by Steve Spielberg.  After the slave uprising, the ship was discovered and taken into custody in the waters off of eastern Long Island.  The ship was brought to New London and was berthed behind the Custom House.  The slaves were tried in New Haven and after appeals all the way to the Supreme Court were freed and returned to Africa.  This relief of Joseph Cinque graces the entrance to the Custom House, now a maritime museum.

Hot Rod Cafe

New London, CT  2015

I'll leave it to others to determine if the the Hot Rod Cafe does indeed have the best wings in Connecticut.  They do have a pretty cool looking mural along the side of their building though.

Prima Truck

Toms River, NJ

Wheels and Dumpster

Toms River, NJ  2015

Overpass

Ridgefield, NJ

Vince Lombardi Service Area

Ridgefield, NJ

The Vince Lombardi Service Area is familiar to anyone who frequently travels along I-95 and the New Jersey Turnpike, as it is the first rest area/service plaza one encounters  along I-95 coming off the George Washington Bridge from New York into New Jersey.  On this Saturday before Easter Sunday, there wasn't much of a line up for gas.  I've seen long lines at all these pumps during some of my trips to NJ.  Gas prices in NJ are much lower than in Connecticut, and as far as I know, it is the only state that has attendants pump the gas for you, still.  

Trees and Reeds

Ridgefield, NJ  2015

Civil War Monument

Kent, CT

Kent Street Signs

Kent, CT  2015 

Happy Easter

Kent, CT  2015

This is St Andrews Church in Kent, CT.  I was attracted to the colorful stone walls, which is probably made from locally quarried granite.  The sign above the door says "St Andrews Church" and although it appears pretty worn, I believe the date below the name reads A.D 1826.  I felt it was an appropriate post for Easter Sunday.

Hidden Valley Patio

Washington Depot, CT  2015

Kent Coffee and Chocolate

Kent, CT  2015

I thought this store front for the Kent Coffee and Chocolate Company in Kent, CT made for a nice reflection on the first full day of spring.  I'm sharing this with Weekend Reflections.  Thanks for looking and enjoy the weekend. 

Interesting Sculpture III

Kent, CT  2015

Only In Connecticut....

Waterbury, CT  2015

One never knows what one will find on drives through Connecticut.  This statue seems like it should be somewhere on a Pacific island, and not looking out over I-84 in Waterbury.